Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions owners often ask about sessions for their horses.
- Where do you practice?
- Will this bodywork be right for my horse?
- How many visits are recommended?
- Can you tell me what is wrong with my horse?
- What does a session involve?
- Is there a ‘right time’ for a session?
- What happens afterwards?
- What does a session cost?
I am based north of Lismore
and work throughout the Northern
Rivers region. Areas covered include Ballina, Byron, Lismore, Casino, Kyogle, Mullumbimby and Murwillumbah. I also make
regular trips to Grafton,
Coffs Harbour and Bellingen.
All horses will benefit from this work, so the approach is right for any horse whose owner cares enough to book a session. If your horse is under current veterinary treatment, please always check with your vet first. I will be happy to talk to them if you prefer.
For maintenance bodywork, I recommend between four and six sessions per year, depending on the level of work your horse is in – competition horses need more.
For injury or physical problems, I ask that you commit initially to two sessions and we will then take it from there (some horses need more).
I don’t diagnose – that is best left to the vet.
During the session, I discuss what the horse is showing, during initial assessment and the session itself.
I usually discuss hoofcare, saddlery, dentistry and the way in which the horse is kept with owners. This is purely in the best interests of the horse, as all of these have an impact on its physical condition. I do not make judgments and respect the fact that all owners make different choices.
An initial session can last 75 to 90 minutes. A second session usually lasts up to an hour. Regular maintenance sessions are usually shorter, as there is less to address.
Timings vary because I work at the right speed for the individual horse.
Don't have bodywork for the first time if your horse is due to work or compete in the next four days, as the changes triggered can keep happening during this time. Also, for long standing problems, your horse may need rehabilitation through training exercises, or indeed just rest.
Otherwise, I recommend that you do not ride on the same day (unless before the session, allowing time for the horse to cool down) and then only very light work (if at all) for the following four days. It is therefore best to book a session when you can give your horse this time off or a reduced workload. We can then decide together what is best for your horse.
At the end of the session, if necessary, I will provide you with ‘aftercare’ information or rehabilitation exercises. My goal is ongoing improvements for the horse and sometimes the owner needs to be part of this.
Where appropriate, I also provide contact details for other practitioners in the horse care field, whose work is conducive to improving horses’ health. With saddle fit problems, I will support you in identifying good saddle fit.
My standard rate for bodywork
is $80 for session -- minimum
two sessions. Ongoing maintenance
sessions are $70 (4-8 weeks apart).
My standard rate for saddle
fit checks (incl. back checks)
is $65. Bodywork and saddle
check together (and for the same horse) is $120.
Like more info? Please phone me on 0447 672 523 or email me.
